A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BIOSAFETY ISSUE

Since the early 1970s, recombinant DNA technology  the ability to transfer genetic
material through biochemical means  has enabled scientists to genetically modify
plants, animals and micro-organisms rapidly. Modern biotechnology can also introduce a
greater diversity of genes into organisms, including genes from unrelated species, than
traditional methods of breeding and selection. Organisms genetically modified in this
way are referred to as living modified organisms derived from modern biotechnology
(LMOs).

Biotechnology has led to advances in medicine, and promises improved agricultural
products and industrial processes as well. Agricultural biotechnology can be used to
improve the resistance of plants to pests or to environmental stresses, or to increase the
commercial value of agricultural products. Other uses for biotechnology include
environmentally-friendly industrial processes which may reduce the use of harsh or toxic
chemicals.

Although modern biotechnology has demonstrated its utility, there are concerns about the
potential risks to biodiversity and human health posed by LMOs. Many countries with
biotechnology industries already have domestic legislation in place intended to ensure the
safe transfer, handling, use and disposal of LMOs and their products (these precautionary
practices are collectively known as biosafety). However, there are no binding
international agreements addressing situations where LMOs cross national borders.

Two categories of intended use of LMOs, contained use and field release, are recognized.
LMOs intended for contained use are usually research material, and are subject to well-
defined risk management techniques involving laboratory containment. LMOs developed
for agricultural and, in some cases, industrial biotechnology, are intended for field
release. Field testing of LMOs is a new undertaking, and the interaction of LMOs with
various ecosystems continues to generate questions about safety. Some of the concerns
about field release of LMOs include: unintended changes in the competitiveness,
virulence or other characteristics of the target species; the possibility of adverse impacts
on non-target species and ecosystems; the potential for weediness in genetically modified
crops; and the stability of inserted genes.